Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) or (Non-Destructive Examination (NDE)) is the science of inspecting components and structures for flaws and properties without damaging the integrity of the component itself.

NDT techniques have applicability across all industries. There are few materials or structures for which NDT cannot make useful interpretations as to the presence of physical features and flaws.

ALS boasts very broad capability in regard to NDT techniques, with new and improved techniques researched, acquired and implemented on a regular basis to ensure that our services remain most effective.

FAQ

There are many non-destructive testing techniques. Those that find internal flaws are typically based on radiation (radiography), use of ultrasound or use of magnetic fields. Surface breaking flaws are typically found by surface sprays that either work on their own or in combination with magnetic fields. Examples are: Radiography, Conventional Ultrasonics, Phased Array Ultrasonics, Dye Penetrant, Magnetic Particle, Magnetic Flux Leakage, Eddy Current, IRIS, EMAT, PEC, plus many more.

PT in NDT is a penetrant test or dye penetrant test or inspection (sometimes abbreviated to DPI or DPT). Using specially designed dye fluids that are drawn to particular surface features such as cracks and weld defects, a penetrant test can reveal whether an item has cracking and/or defects that might render it not compliant with its manufacturing standard or unfit for further use.

An NDT test of concrete is a non-destructive test typically used to verify different properties and features of the concrete without damaging it. Features that can be assessed include: presence of any defects, the location of any reinforcing with the concrete, the thickness of concrete, the concrete's approximate strength.

Destructive Testing is the act of damaging an item irreversibly to find out various different properties, for example, its strength, its toughness, its composition and more. Destructive testing often involves what many call Mechanical Testing. Non-Destructive Testing covers a group of methods by which an item has its properties assessed without damaging the component, with the obvious benefit of keeping the item intact for future use. Both tests types are of value to the world generally and are used to ensure understanding of the important properties of many different items.

Destructive Weld Testing is the act of testing a weld by damaging or breaking it to verify its important properties. The properties examined for are typically those that determine if the weld is fit for its application, which depends on both the weld procedure being correct (verify by Weld Procedure Qualification tests) and the welder being capable of implementing the procedure correctly (verified by Welder Qualification tests). Commonly destructive tests include determining the tensile strength of the weld (tensile testing), the impact resistance of the weld (impact testing (Charpy, Izod etc)), the ductility of the weld (ability to bend before breaking), bend tests among a suite of other similar tests.

In the hands of skilled ALS staff, NDT forms a critical part in answering many key questions about your important assets, including:

Are there cracks and/or significant flaws in my component? What size are they? How is corrosion affecting my component / structure / vessel?

How are operating conditions affecting my asset?

Which inspection method will deliver the appropriate level of Probability of Detection (POD).

Choosing the best NDT approach often requires significant technique and engineering understanding. Often a combination of techniques is appropriate to obtain the right information about an asset’s condition.

Learn a little more about the different NDT methods and what they can do above. In the alternative contact ALS’ NDT experts for more information.